Yemen’s Houthis Vow to Continue Attacks on Israeli Shipping Despite U.S. Pressure

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have made it clear that they will not back down on their attacks against Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, despite increasing military pressure from the United States and diplomatic appeals from allies such as Iran. In a recent interview with Reuters, Jamal Amer, the foreign minister of the Houthi group, emphasized their commitment to supporting Palestinians in Gaza through these actions.

The recent wave of U.S. strikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen has raised tensions in the region. In response, Iran reportedly conveyed a message to the Houthi envoy in Tehran to ease the situation, but Amer stated that the decision to continue attacks was independent of Iran’s influence.

U.S. President Donald Trump has held Iran accountable for any attacks carried out by the Houthis, further escalating the situation. Amer reiterated that the Houthi group would not consider scaling back their operations until the aid blockade in Gaza was lifted.

Iran’s Concerns and Regional Dynamics

Iran, a key supporter of the Houthi rebels, is wary of being drawn into a deeper conflict with the United States. The ongoing war in Gaza has strained relations between Iran and Israel, with direct strikes exchanged last year. The Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran has only added to the volatile situation in the region.

While the Houthis maintain ties with Iran and its ‘Axis of Resistance,’ they assert their independence and domestic motivations. The resumption of attacks on Israeli ships by the Houthis is seen as a response to Israel’s blockade on Gaza, which began in early March.

Escalation and International Response

The Houthi group had previously suspended attacks on shipping during a ceasefire in Gaza but resumed them when Israel failed to meet their demands. The recent escalation has led to a series of U.S. strikes in Yemen, resulting in casualties among the civilian population.

Despite calls from European Union countries and warnings from the Houthi foreign minister, the situation remains tense. Saudi Arabia, a key player in the Yemeni conflict, has not intervened militarily so far, but the risk of further escalation looms over the region.

As the situation unfolds, the Houthis remain steadfast in their stance, vowing to defend themselves against any external aggression. The delicate balance of power in the region hangs in the balance, with the potential for further conflict looming on the horizon.

Source: Reuters – Edited by [Your Name]